By Beth Newman
1. All sewn up
It’s still possible for the finals line up to change, but luck would have to go very much in Surfers Paradise’s favour over the final fortnight of the year. Mt Gravatt is now a game clear of the Demons, with matches against Sandgate and Palm Beach to come. The Demons face Grange and the Hawks in their last two matches and will be up against it to sneak in. The Vultures have let some chances slip through the year, but they’ve picked the right time to take their opportunities.
2. Nothing to lose, nothing to fear
We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s the teams well out of finals contention that could be most influential as finals approach. The Western Magpies, Sandgate and UQ were all competitive against opt five sides on the weekend and much of that was down to effort and desire. If they continue to turn out performances like that, some of the finals sides should be very worried.
3. The Red Demon rises
A good ruckman can be hard to find, but Surfers have a real gem in Michael Cunningham. Largely shouldering the ruck responsibilities on his own through the year, the Surfers big man has been more than serviceable. He was dominant in the taps once again on the weekend and worked hard around the ground. Has become close to his team’s most important player and certainly is one of its most consistent this season.
4. Two bags full
There was a dramatic conclusion down at H&A Oval on the weekend, but just as exciting was the performance of their respective key forwards. Jordan Bain (Magpies) and Taylor Haley (Broadbeach) both ended up with eight goals, in a goal feast. There have been bags scattered throughout the season, but rarely in one game.
5. Wise heads give Panthers lift
Morningside received a serious scare from Surfers Paradise last weekend, but it was their experience that really stepped up in the end. In a competition with a number of relatively young teams, the Panthers have handy experience and the likes of Tyson Upton, Paul Shelton and Nick Tomlinson make the difference when it comes to the crunch.
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